The Thames and I: A Memoir of Two Years at Oxford By Crown Prince Naruhito

This sensitive, engaging and informative account of English university life, customs and mores - as seen from the perspective of a young Japanese student, albeit Japan's heir to the throne - contributes to cross-cultural studies in the broader context. It is also a rare record of a life lived by one who normally experiences `life above the clouds' as a member of the Japanese imperial family.

In 1992, Japan's Crown Prince Naruhito completed a memoir about his life and experiences at the University of Oxford, less than ten years earlier (1983-85) to mark the 125th anniversary of his own Gakushuin University.

Now, in English translation from former British Ambassador to Japan, Sir Hugh Cortazzi, this sensitive, engaging and informative account of English university life, customs and mores as seen from the perspective of a young Japanese student, albeit Japan's heir to the Imperial throne, is a most welcome contribution to cross-cultural studies.

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It is also provides a rare personal commentary on particular aspects of the everyday life of Japan's Imperial family, and makes a welcome companion read to the earlier memoir by Princess Chichibu - "The Silver Drum" (Global Oriental 1995).

At Oxford, where his supervisor was Professor Peter Matthias, the Crown Prince studied the history of transport on the river Thames - hence the title to his memoir.